Liverpool’s Title Defence Takes Shape with Wirtz Pursuit
Liverpool are not resting on their laurels. After Arne Slot’s remarkable debut season which saw the Reds reclaim the Premier League title, the club’s transfer strategy this summer is signalling something stronger than mere ambition — it is a declaration of dominance.
Central to this is the reported pursuit of Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen’s prodigious playmaker. With Fabrizio Romano stating a ‘deal in principle’ has been ‘verbally agreed’ at a potential €150 million (£127m), this move would mark a record outlay and a clear signal to both domestic rivals and European elites. Liverpool do not intend to relinquish their crown easily.
Wirtz Would Elevate Liverpool’s Frontline
Wirtz is not a vanity signing. He represents a tactical solution and a stylistic evolution. His positional intelligence, fluid movement and ability to unlock low blocks offer Slot a creative outlet that fits neatly with the pressing system that defined his title-winning side. When you factor in the summer additions of Jeremie Frimpong and the likely capture of Milos Kerkez, the squad is morphing with intent.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Mark Ogden was unequivocal in his assessment:
“I think you probably can, because I think their biggest rivals are Man City. They’re gonna be tied up in the Club World Cup and that’ll take a lot out of City next year.”
He went on to highlight that City’s recent transfer windows have lacked the sparkle of previous years:
“They’re bringing in good players but not the very best players, so I think City aren’t the challengers that we thought they might be.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnYZYKfBqN4&t=742s
Arsenal’s challenge hinges on finding a top-class striker. But as of now, Liverpool’s sharp early business puts them on the front foot.
“You have to say that Wirtz is such a good player, and with Frimpong as well and Kerkez when that gets done, that is a very strong addition for the summer. They will miss Trent Alexander-Arnold, certainly his distribution. Who knows, but right now, they’re the favourites,” Ogden concluded.
Learning from 2020, Acting in 2025
The last time Liverpool entered a season as champions, their transfer strategy was measured — perhaps too measured. Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas and Thiago Alcantara were smart buys, but none transformed perception or shook rivals. That season unravelled largely due to injury, but the lack of reinforcements haunted the campaign from the start.
This time, under Richard Hughes’ watch, there’s a distinct difference. Recruitment has been fast, focused and with higher ceilings. The pursuit of Wirtz in particular demonstrates a willingness to invest at the very top end of the market — something Liverpool have been criticised for avoiding in previous windows.
Slot’s System and Squad Depth Could Be Key
While Manchester City’s participation in the Club World Cup could be disruptive, Liverpool are not depending on external events. Slot appears to be building a squad with not just first-team starters, but serious depth across key areas. Losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, should his recovery linger into the season, would be a blow. But with Frimpong potentially arriving and Wirtz slotting into midfield, the creativity gap could be managed.
The Premier League is rarely won in June, but it can be lost. Liverpool’s activity this early in the window sets a tone. While Guardiola’s side remains formidable, and Arsenal have the foundations of a title challenger, Liverpool’s blend of settled stars and shrewd new faces might just tilt the odds in their favour again.
Wirtz is more than a marquee name. He is a footballer who could become the heartbeat of a new Liverpool era under Slot. Should the transfer go through, the message is clear — Liverpool are not just defending their title, they’re planning to keep it.
